Emile Heskey retires from international football

Heskey misses good chance against USA

England striker Emile Heskey has announced his retirement from international football.

The 32-year-old was part of England manager Fabio Capello's much-criticised squad that exited the World Cup in South Africa in the second round.

Heskey made his England debut against Hungary on 28 April, 1999 and earned 62 caps, scoring seven goals.

"I have enjoyed every moment of my England career and worn the shirt with pride," the Aston Villa forward said.

"I would like to thank every manager I have played under, everyone at the FA and the fans for all their support over the years.

606: DEBATE He played better than Rooney at the world cup and he does have his strengths, such as bringing others into the game TheGunnerTB

"I wish the management team and the playing squad all the best for the future."

Heskey was also part of the England squad at the 2002 World Cup as well as at the 2000 and 2004 European Championships.

He started every game at the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea and grabbed a goal in the second round against Denmark before England were eliminated at the quarter-final stage by Brazil.

Heskey made one substitute appearance during Euro 2004, at which England were beaten on penalties by Portugal in the last eight.

The former Leicester, Liverpool and Wigan forward then spent three years out of the international set-up before being recalled by Steve McClaren for the national side's unsuccessful Euro 2008 qualifying campaign.

In South Africa, Heskey failed to score after starting against the United States and Algeria before coming on as a substitute against Slovenia and Germany.

Heskey's England goals June 2000 v. Malta February 2001 v. Spain September 2001 v. Germany June 2002 v. Denmark May 2003 v. South Africa March 2009 v. Slovakia June 2009 v. Kazakhstan

Heskey had gone into the 2010 World Cup on the back of a frustrating season for Villa as he struggled for first-team football.

However, he had been a regular starter during the qualifying campaign and Capello kept faith in him in South Africa as he paired Heskey with Wayne Rooney in attack.

Heskey divided opinion with his inclusion in Capello's first XI, with critics arguing his strengths as a target man were not matched by his finishing ability in front of goal.

And, despite teeing up Steven Gerrard for the opener in the 1-1 draw against the US, he failed to take a late chance to win the match.

His final appearance came in the 4-1 defeat by Germany, coming on 19 minutes from time with England already trailing by three goals.